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The ICE Man Cometh, and the NYSE Can Hardly Wait

NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Many shareholders of NYSE Euronext(NYX) were thrilled when IntercontinentalExchange(ICE - Get Report) made a takeover bid on Dec. 21, 2012, for cash and stock totaling $8.2 billion that was later accepted by NYX.

Since that point, NYX shares hit a zenith of $38.75; the company continues to pay a $1.20 per year dividend and shares of ICE stay nicely frozen, just $5 below their 52-week high of $158.18. Yet some have screamed monopoly and have insinuated that the merger of the two exchange giants would be a violation of certain antitrust regulations. The loudest objections may be coming from Europe.

The European Commission said on Tuesday that it will review plans by ICE to acquire NYX after national regulators chose not to object to the EU taking the leadership of the investigation.

A spokesperson for the EU's Brussels-based antitrust authority, Antoine Colombani, announced that the EU now has jurisdiction over the deal. Of interest is the fact that neither ICE nor NYX has formally notified the EU about ICE's intentions to take over NYX.

Last month, ICE claimed that it sought an EU review of its acquisition to avoid separate probes in the U.K., Spain and Portugal. The fact that the EU is taking the lead on the antitrust implications of the deal may expedite the process and preclude EU member nations from objecting or interfering.

NYX shareholders have long awaited a stimulus to lift the share price after EU regulators blocked
Deutsche Bourse's attempted acquisition of the NYSE in 2012. The EU's decision to block the purchase then was based on concerns that a dearth of competition in derivatives and clearing would result if the merger were allowed.

What is this company I affectionately refer to as "The Iceman," which calls to mind the classic play
The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill? ICE operates regulated global markets and clearinghouses primarily in the U.S., the U.K. Canada, and Brazil.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Atlanta, it provides futures exchange, over-the-counter market, derivatives clearinghouse and post-trade services for trading and clearing a range of contracts.